Introduction In 2015, the ASEAN Community, composed of three Pillars—ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)—was established with the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the ASEAN Community by the ASEAN Leaders during the 27th ASEAN Summit.
When the Leaders of ten ASEAN Member States convened in Kuala Lumpur, in 2015, for the 27th ASEAN Summit, they arrived carrying the weight of nearly five decades of regional cooperation—and the knowledge that much remained unfinished.
Phonepaserth PHIMSAVANN, known as Bee, was born in Vientiane, Lao PDR. She graduated from the National Institute of Fine Arts in Vientiane, Lao PDR, in 2023 with a major in painting. Since childhood, she has enjoyed creating art and often tells stories drawn from her own experiences. Her work is shaped by nature, everyday life, … Cover Story
The Mango Flavour: India and ASEAN After a Decade of the Act East Policy, written by India’s former Ambassador to Indonesia and ASEAN, Ambassador Gurjit Singh, explores three decades of ASEAN-India relations and the evolution of India’s Act East Policy. Drawing from Ambassador Singh’s diplomatic experience, he examines how this policy has shaped cooperation with … Book Feature: The Mango Flavour by Ambassador Gurjit Singh
The ASEAN Secretariat initiated the ASEAN Artists Residency Programme (AARP) in 2018 to nurture and support the region’s young and upcoming artists. The programme has since featured several artists from across Southeast Asia. In 2025, the ASEAN Art Residency Programme (AARP) returned with a special edition that coincided with the Osaka Kansai World Expo. Lao … 2025 ASEAN Art Residency Programme: “The Little Beetle’s Journey”
Officials from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) walked into the headquarters of the Viet Nam Competition Commission (VCC) on 28 August 2025 with a clear mission: to strengthen consumer protection systems across borders at a time when online marketplaces, cross-border trade, and consumer expectations transform faster … Building Trust Across Borders: Lao PDR and Viet Nam Deepen Consumer Protection
Inclusion as a buzzword has grown louder in recent years. While inclusive progress has already been made in some sectors, such as public service or transportation, attention should also be paid to inclusion in the private sector. Businesses have to promote inclusive business practices, which means intentionally integrating marginalised individuals into the value chain of … No Consumers Left Behind
What if a scholarship did more than fund an education? What if it helped shape perspective, strengthen regional understanding, and quietly prepare young people to give back to where they come from?
ASEAN Entities are accredited organisations that have been formally recognised by ASEAN for their commitment to support the regional bloc’s principles, goals, and initiatives. Article 16 of the ASEAN Charter specifically states: “ASEAN may engage with entities which support the ASEAN Charter, in particular its purposes and principles.”
From the moment we wake up until we fall asleep, we spend much of our time staring at screens. The line between our digital and physical lives has all but blurred, shaping how we work, study, communicate with loved ones, shop, and even commute each day. Yet this convenience comes with vulnerability. The same access … How Scam Ready ASEAN is Helping Communities Respond to Online Fraud